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Monday, April 2, 2012

Zakka Along :: Week 1 - The Zig Zag Tote

It's time to Kick of this party with a fun and stylish Zig Zag tote. Is everyone ready?

I had the pleasure of putting this fancy little piece together for you all. I decided to make a few examples of how you can keep it simple, or spruce it up to fit your style.

The bag consists of simple quarter square triangles on the front in an offset design, with echo quilting done to make the prints really stand out. If you have made any type of bag before, then this should be basic bag construction. If you have never made a bag before, feel free to ask questions here or in our flickr group. One bag I followed the directions according to the book, and the other I went off a little to embellish and make it my own.

My first recommendation is to have fun with it. Everyones machine will sew different seams, so things may not line up according to the pattern at all times. You can trim, or adjust the design as much as you need. This bag is very forgiving, and we are all here to help if you have questions. Also I suggest you read through the pattern and make sure that you understand the basic terms listed such as sub cut, and finger press. If you are a beginner here is a link for basic sewing terms. You most likely will not have questions, as the patterns is explained very well and there is no uncommon wording.
There have been a few adjustments made since the book was released. As with all books, sometimes errors are printed. Please see the errata page for Zakka style here

Choosing fabrics was the hardest for me because I wanted to use so many colors in the bag. I think it would be fantastic to see this in a scrappy version as well. After you choose fabric, cut out all your pieces before you begin construction. This will assure you have enough supplies for the bag before you begin.

As I said before I made two bags. After making the first, I played a little with changes, and thought I would share what I did here for you all.

I put together a small list of things I changed a little after making the first bag, so you can get a feel for what you might like.

1. I only interfaced one side of the strap. This give it a little more looseness, and I like that. You could also use the fusible fleece to line the handles. I love the way The designer explains how to make the handles. No flipping or pulling, they are perfect every time.

2. I made the inside pocket a contrasting color so that it popped a little more. The pattern suggests cutting from same fabric as the lining so if you want to change that, think ahead and make adjustments accordingly.

3. I made the pleats slightly smaller on the bottom so that I could use it to fit books in. This just made the bag a little wider and showed off the quilting a little more.

Your bags are gorgeous - I'm doing mine a little bit differently - I seem to be in log cabin mode :D I have the focus blocks done but haven't picked out the linen yet - a shopping trip may be in order :)

I have my book, but just ordered the linen last night (tap, tap, tap - that's me tapping my foot waiting for the UPS guy to get here!!!). I love seeing the Zig Zag Tote with the different fabric choices! That is something I CAN do right now - choose my coordinating fabrics! YAY!

I am dying to try some Aurifil thread so I am hoping to be one of the lucky five!! Thanks for the wonderful tutorial to kick off this great event!!

I'm a little low on my linen supply but I have some nice, medium weight upholstery fabrics that I plan to use. I've noticed my mind wanders to the choices in my fabric stash that I want to use to coordinate whenever I'm washing the dishes, folding laundry, driving,...

Gorgeous bags - particularly love the 2nd one you did where the zig zags are emphasised. Just waiting for my book to arrive then hope to be busy cutting and sewing! Gorgeous thread giveaway too.. fingers crossed! Thanks for helping with some great tips and ideas :)

I love this tote! I cannot wait to get the book to make it! Fun fun!! I love the floral fabrics you used, such beautiful bright colors. Would you mind listing those fabrics? I am not familiar with those prints. TY for your post, you explained so well and I'm grateful for the sewing term resource. :)

I love your two variations. I can't wait to see everyone else's - including my own! For those of you that are waiting on the hard copy of the book to arrive, google books does have the first 5 projects visible as a "preview". Here is the link:http://books.google.com/books/about/Zakka_Style.html?id=ryVmiJIdnKwCThat might help you get started!

I love your bags. They came out really great. I just bought some of that pinkish poka-dot fabric you used in the aqua/salmon colored bag, this weekend. I can't wait to try this bag this week. But I will admit, it will be later in the week as I am trying to finish a table topper for Easter. (I started this one almost 15 years ago.

Love the colours and lining you have used. I just got my copy of the book today so looking forward to getting started. Bit nervous as have never really done any kind of quilting before but this looks managable. Can't wait to see all the other bags that get made.

Both bags are lovely, and so completely different. I do love the hand stitching and am now tempted to do the same on mine.... Thanks for the Aurifil thread giveaway! Would love to win some! My fabric/interfacing/fleece is cut, now to sit down and sew!

totes love your totes, girl! but seriously, thank you sew much for this sew-along!! i just got into sewing and also just got this book and then i saw a link to the sew-along on Pinterest... let's just say i spent quite a few hours at JoAnn! so what is the plan - are you going to show us something new about the bag tomorrow, or is it just a post from someone different every Monday?

Great looking bags. I love the scooter used as a prop for the photo. I am a new follower by GFC. I don't know how many of the projects I will actually make, but I love you alternative ideas; and am definitely going to make this bag.

I am very new at blogging and super excited that I found this quilt along... and right on time to play! Exciting! I shall join the group and show off my Skillz! Thank you for the much needed inspiration!

Thanks Terri! Your bags are beautiful of course! I checked on my Amazon order and it hasn't even shipped yet. I cancelled and ordered straight from CT. I got the ebook bundle so I downloaded the digital version so I can get started right away, while waiting for my hardcopy! I might not use linen for this first project, as I don't have any, but I will definitely be buying some for the future projects! Thanks for the giveaway!!! Love Ya!

This is such a fantastic blog event...I'm ready to go! I love seeing the different examples of this bag. Between yours and the one in the book, I'm betting you can't go wrong, no matter what fabrics you choose. Can't wait to see what everybody comes up with.

Waiting on my book here...i was told between the 4th and the 10th so i may be alittle behind here....i dont plan to make everything in the book at this stage...but you never know ...lolThank you for this fantastic tutorial and the chance to win...

I've just linked up my entry. It's funny that you love the strap construction which I hated and so did differently! I found the bag a bit too boxy and wish I'd made it wider and less deep. I love the colours you've chosen and that colourful quilting is beautiful.

I finished mine last night. I also made some variations. I put two pockets inside, one with a zipper. I attached all of my interfacing to the front as I don't like an interfaced lining. I also made the width a little smaller. I love this pattern and I love seeing all the fabric combinations. That is what is so amazing about sewing. We can all use the same pattern and they all look different and have their own personalities. I am loving this sew along!

Ive ordered this book, but it's on backorder with the quilts store... Can't wait to make this bag.. I sorta follow instructions, but usually put my twist on it... I make handles by folding rather than making tubes inside out.. Much easier...

I'm dying for my linen to show up in my mailbox so I can get started (do you know how hard it was to find someone who wasn't out of stock!?)!! Your bags are really cute, cant wait to get mine going.Thanks for the giveaway to start this party!

The bags are way too adorable! so much inspiration to go buy this book and dig in for this upcoming Easter weekend!I love the simplicity of the design but the "POP" it makes in style. I would use this as my library bag or my new take-a-long craft bag... Loves it!

Lovely bags! I just finished mine and used all three your tips. You say the handles are well explained. I had to do it my way, not understanding it at all.To the back I added 2 strips that I used in the zig zag.And ... I hand quilted it too (o:Happy Easter!